Can social protection better support tuberculosis patients in Southeast Asia?

In several Southeast Asian countries, people with tuberculosis struggle to access the social assistance they need. A recent assessment conducted in Mongolia, Laos, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Vietnam reveals that existing schemes remain insufficient and poorly adapted. Most countries in the region only offer specific support to patients with drug-resistant forms of the disease, leaving the majority of those affected without assistance.

The identified obstacles are numerous. Many are simply unaware of the existence of this aid or do not know how to claim it. Others forgo it due to fear of stigmatization, poverty, or the complexity of administrative procedures. Programs are often fragmented, poorly coordinated between the health and social protection sectors, and their eligibility criteria exclude some potential beneficiaries. For example, less than 1.5% of tuberculosis-affected households in the Philippines receive the intended benefits, even though the majority live below the poverty line. In Laos, only 0.4% of patients report receiving any form of social assistance.

To improve the situation, experts suggest extending aid to all patients, not just those suffering from multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. They also recommend simplifying procedures, strengthening information and training for social workers and healthcare providers, and creating more effective referral systems between health services and social agencies. Vietnam has already established a network of dedicated social workers who assist patients with their procedures and help them obtain financial or nutritional support. In Mongolia, community contact points help identify needs and guide families toward appropriate schemes.

These solutions aim to systematically integrate social protection into the fight against tuberculosis. They could also inspire other countries facing poverty-related diseases. The challenge is twofold: reducing the catastrophic costs borne by patients and increasing the effectiveness of public health programs. Without better coordination and sustainable funding, progress will remain limited, especially in remote areas where needs are most acute.

Website References

Scientific Reference

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-025-00887-2

Title: Towards universal social protection for people affected by tuberculosis in the Western Pacific Region: a social protection baseline assessment and policy entry points

Journal: Tropical Medicine and Health

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: D. Boccia; K. Rahevar; D. J. Carter; J. M. Pescarini; A. Schwalb; T. Islam; K. H. Oh; F. Morishita; R. P. Yadav